If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 35% of the tooth’s surface. Warning: graphic comparison ahead — That’s like wiping just your butt cheeks and skipping the most important part… Yeah, you get the picture. Flossing is a crucial component of oral hygiene, and it’s important that you do it correctly.
Why should I floss?
Because your dentist said so! But, really, you’re doing yourself a favor by preventing a slew of dental problems such as gum disease, halitosis (chronic bad breath), tooth decay, and tooth loss. Flossing removes food debris and plaque trapped between your teeth. Do you ever rub your tongue against your teeth and feel a sticky film? That’s plaque, and it’s loaded with bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease if not removed. If left to fester on your teeth, plaque eventually hardens and turns into tartar, a calcified deposit. Tartar can only be removed with special tools at the dentist.
Flossing Perks
Aside from the more obvious benefits, here a few added perks to flossing your teeth.
- Longer life: Fun fact — Research says that flossing once a day can increase life expectancy.
- Routine exam: Regular flossing puts you in tune with your gums and oral tissues, giving you the opportunity to regularly examine your mouth for any abnormalities, redness, and swelling.
- Weight loss: If you’ve just flossed your teeth (and hopefully brushed too), you’re less likely to eat when your mouth feels so fresh and so clean. A great tip is to floss and brush right after you eat a meal to prevent binging on snacks.
Flossing Tips
- Floss comes first: Floss before you brush to clear out food particles and plaque. Brushing and rinsing will finish off the job and give you fresh breath.
- Pick if you please: If you’re not a fan of traditional floss, you can use floss picks, a quick and convenient option, and great for kiddos. Note that floss picks are not always as effective, so be sure to reach all angles.
- Size matters: Floss comes in a variety of materials and sizes such as waxed and unwaxed, stringed for tight-fitting teeth, and dental tape for wider-spaced teeth.
- Two touch rule: If two teeth touch, then you should be flossing them. This is a good rule of thumb for when children should begin flossing.
If you have any flossing questions or concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.